You need to continue regular car payments, maintain vehicle registration, and then transfer the car’s ownership. You cannot drive the car unless you have proper registration, and penalties will be charged if this is not done on time.

Surviving Spouse

To transfer the title to the surviving spouse, the following must be completed and/or filed through the office of your resident county clerk:

• Application for Noting of Lien, Duplicate Title, or Multipurpose Use
• The existing title
• A copy of the death certificate
• An Affidavit of Inheritance form (if applicable)
• An $11 duplicate title fee (note: if the application is filed within one year of the spouse’s death, there is no fee)

Will Designating Executor or Administrator

If an executor or administrator has been appointed by the court, the following must be completed and/or filed through the office of your resident county clerk:

• The existing certificate of title signed by the executor or administrator
• The probated will or certified letters of testamentary verifying the executor

No Will

If the deceased left no will, the following the following must be completed and/or filed through the office of your resident county clerk:

• An Affidavit of Inheritance form completed by all heirs
• A copy of the death certificate

If you need additional assistance with the driver’s license, license plates, or disabled person placards of the deceased, please click here.